Accelerated Master (AMTMS) — Teaching Math and Science

Program overview

Develop the discrete learning and teaching skills required in STEM fields

Impact student learning and change lives with this rigorous accelerated Master in Teaching Math and Science degree. Created to prepare skilled teachers in the STEM fields, this master’s degree includes a yearlong, full-time internship in a K–12 school. Learn the skills needed to impact student learning as a content-focused teacher committed to equity and inclusion.

Become an expert in your field while advancing your career.

Program Overview

The School of Education Difference

Seattle Pacific was founded more than 125 years ago, and the University has been preparing some of the most sought-after educators in the region for more than 90 years. Today, entrance to School of Education graduate programs is highly competitive. Faculty members – each teaching his or her own courses and each holding a doctorate – have worked to develop rigorous programs of quality.

The School of Education at Seattle Pacific University offers more than a dozen graduate programs. You can choose from three doctoral programs, seven master’s degree programs, and five certification programs, all of which focus on developing competence, character, leadership, and service in educators. While many students train to become teachers, others prepare for roles as school counselors, principals, superintendents, district office personnel, or professors in higher education. SPU's reputation in P–12 education in Washington and across the country is strong, and students who complete our graduate degree and certificate programs enjoy a higher rate of employment than the state's average.

Why Seattle Pacific for your Accelerated Master in Teaching Math and Science?

School districts have long sought after SPU-educated teachers for both their competence and character. Many graduates have gone on to blaze new trails with the creation of programs like STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics), and even earn Washington state’s Teacher of the Year award, an honor given to only one outstanding Washington teacher annually.

Students from the United States are not meeting standards in math and science at the same rate as other countries. The Accelerated Master in Teaching Math and Science degree was created to prepare skilled teachers in the STEM fields, including a full-time, year-long internship in K-12 schools. Earn higher placement on the salary schedule and become equipped to significantly impact student learning and change lives.

  1. Accomplished Faculty

    Expert, caring faculty have a desire to help students succeed. Faculty are known for mentoring their students during and following their educational programs. These professors model lifelong learning through scholarly activities of their own, publishing frequently, and presenting at professional conferences.

  2. AACU Membership

    Seattle Pacific is a member of the Association of American Colleges and Universities and of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. SPU certification programs are approved by the Washington state Professional Educator Standards Board. The School of Education is also a member of the Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges for Teacher Education, and has a chapter, Sigma Phi Upsilon, of Chi Sigma Iota, an international honor society that values academic and professional excellence in counseling.

  3. Deep Character Emphasis

    Built on an character education foundation, the graduate programs at SPU offer first-class education through the lens of Christian faith and values. Students take ethics courses, and character issues are integrated throughout the curriculum.

  4. Flexible Format

    Designed for working professionals, Summer Session is divided into two parts, online and on-campus during the summer. During the academic year, candidates attend evening classes one or two nights a week each quarter. Student teaching component.

  5. Connected Alumni

    School of Education graduates move on to purposeful careers in schools and district-level leadership throughout the country. When you obtain a graduate degree from SPU’s School of Education, you join a community of alumni who stay connected.

Related Master’s Program

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Curriculum

Completion of the program fulfills requirements for a Master in Teaching Math and Science degree and Washington state Residency Teacher Certification. After completing certification requirements, the Certification Office in the School of Education at SPU recommends candidates for teacher licensure to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. Completion of five additional graduate-level classes throughout the program or the summer following student teaching fulfills requirements for the Master in Teaching Mathematics and Science degree.

Program schedule and cohort info

A new cohort begins each summer at the end of June. Courses begin online and also have campus meetings in late June and the beginning of August. Coursework is entirely online for the month of July. During the academic year, candidates typically attend classes one night a week.

Program components

Certification

Candidates in the Accelerated Master in Teaching Math and Science (AMTMS) program are recommended for certification by

  • Demonstrating effective teaching practices
  • Centering instruction on high expectations for student achievement
  • Recognizing and responding to individual student learning needs
  • Providing clear and intentional focus on subject matter content and curriculum
  • Fostering and managing a safe, positive learning environment
  • Using multiple student data elements to modify instruction and improve student learning
  • Communicating and collaborating with parents and the school community
  • Exhibiting collaborative and collegial practices focused on improving instruction and learning

NOTE: Tuition rates for the certification portion of the program and the master's component of the program are differentiated. While certification courses are offered at a reduced rate, students across all master's programs take the master's component classes at the regular graduate tuition rate. 

Coursework and Internship

Coursework begins in the summer with online and on-campus classes in learning theory, general teaching methods, curriculum design, and literacy strategies. Candidates enroll in classes with peers who are earning the same endorsements in math and science to promote collegial interdependence.

Internship begins in late August as K–12 teachers return to school for in-service training. Candidates intern across the school year, while completing online and on-campus coursework. On-campus and online coursework integrates internship experiences to assist candidates in applying educational theory and research to planning, instruction, and assessment.

Candidates are paired with a mentor teacher and university field supervisor in a school setting. Internship is five days a week during an entire K–12 school year, including in-service and end-of-the-year activities. Candidates may have up to two release days a month to attend to program requirements and wellness goals.

Candidates and mentor teachers follow a co-teaching model, where responsibility for planning, instruction, management, and assessment is shared. Candidates begin internship with focused observations and progress to independent teaching. Across internship, candidates complete assignments designed to maximize field experiences, such as reflections, lesson plans, and program assessments. Internship concludes with candidates returning control of classroom responsibilities to their mentor teachers.

Completion of the MTMS Degree

Candidates earn the MTMS degree by completing five additional graduate-level courses, totaling 15 credits. These classes are taken at the regular graduate tuition rate. Classes required for the MTMS degree are not needed for certification. However, most candidates complete degree requirements immediately following certification to increase their salary. Candidates may delay completion of degree requirements for five years following the quarter of admission, as long as active enrollment status is maintained by completing one class every four quarters. Students admitted to the AMTMS program with an advanced degree complete EDU 6085 Moral and Theological Issues in Education to receive the MTMS degree.

Course sequence

Candidates enrolled in the MTMS program follow a course sequence designed to exceed the demands of today’s classrooms. Graduates complete the program with knowledge and skills required for effective teaching, developed through integration of internship experiences, positive peer interdependence, and focused pedagogy for teaching secondary students in math and science.

Courses for Certification

Summer

EDRD 6530

Disciplinary Literacy and Language Learning (3)

EDU 6100

Introduction to Equitable Teaching (3)

EDU 6140

Classroom Management and The Psychology of Learners I (2)

EDU 6170

Inquiry, Teaching & Assessment Methods for Math/Sci (3)

EDU 6944

Professional Learning Network (1)

Autumn

EDU 6141

Classroom Management and The Psychology of Learners II (2)

EDU 6171

Inquiry, Teaching & Assessment Methods for Math and Science II (3)

EDU 6526

Survey of Instructional Strategies (3)

EDU 6944

Professional Learning Network (1)

EDU 6945

Residency Student Teaching Internship (4)

Winter

EDU 6172

Inquiry, Teaching, & Assessment for Math and Science III (3)

EDU 6139 

Professional Issues Internship Seminar (2)

EDU 6944

Professional Learning Network (1)

EDU 6945

Residency Student Teaching Internship (4)

Spring

EDU 6133 

Culturally Sustaining Teaching for Diverse Learners (3)

EDU 6139 

Professional Issues Internship Seminar (2)

EDU 6173

Inquiry, Teaching, & Assessment for Math and Science IV (3)

EDU 6944

Professional Learning Network (1)

EDU 6945

Residency Student Teaching Internship (4)

Courses for MTMS Degree

EDSP 6644*    

Educating Exceptional Students (3)

EDU 6085*

Moral and Theological Issues in Education (3)

EDU 6120*

American Education: Past and Present (3)

*indicate a master’s component course. Many students complete the master’s degree component during the summer following internship.

Routes to Certification

Applicants to the AMAT program fit one of these profiles, though all routes require a bachelor's degree and endorsement in a high needs area at the district or local level:

Route 2: For district staff with a bachelor’s degree.

Currently employed school-district staff members (such as paraeducators, instructional assistants, or education aides) with a minimum of one year  of student interaction and leadership.

Route 3: For “Career changers” with a bachelor’s degree

Individuals with a bachelor’s degree not currently employed by a school district at the time of application (such as those considering career change)

Route 4:  For district staff with a bachelor’s degree and limited certificate.

Teachers employed in a public school on a limited certificate such as a  Conditional or Emergency Substitute Certificate.

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Faculty

Faculty

Nalline Baliram

Associate Professor of Teacher Education
PhD, Seattle Pacific University

Email: baliramn@zephyroilandgasproperties.com
Phone: 206-281-2453
Office: Peterson Hall 410

Scott Beers

Assistant Dean, Graduate Programs
PhD, University of Washington

Email: sbeers@zephyroilandgasproperties.com
Phone: 206-281-2707
Office: Peterson Hall 409

David W. Denton

Associate Professor
EdD, Seattle Pacific University

Email: dentod@zephyroilandgasproperties.com
Phone: 206-281-2504
Office: Peterson Hall 317

Kristine Gritter

Professor, Curriculum and Instruction; Director of Doctoral Programs
PhD, Michigan State University

Email: grittk@zephyroilandgasproperties.com
Phone: 206-281-2323
Office: Peterson Hall 309

Jill Heiney-Smith

Director of Graduate Teacher Education; Associate Professor of Teacher Education
EdD, Seattle Pacific University

Email: heineysmithj@zephyroilandgasproperties.com
Phone: 206-281-2372
Office: Peterson Hall 311

Krystle Jalalian-Chursky

Assistant Professor, Special Education; Director of Undergraduate Teacher Education
PhD, University of London, Birkbeck

Email: jalaliank@zephyroilandgasproperties.com
Phone: 206-281-2365
Office: Peterson Hall 313

Kirsten Koetje

Assistant Director of Graduate Teacher Education
PhD, Seattle Pacific University

Jorge Preciado

Professor of Education; Chair of Special Education
PhD, University of Oregon

Email: preciadoj@zephyroilandgasproperties.com
Phone: 206-281-2794
Office: Peterson Hall 406

Pete Renn

Associate Professor of Curriculum and Instruction; Assistant Dean
EdD, Seattle Pacific University

Email: rennp@zephyroilandgasproperties.com
Phone: 206-281-2028
Office: Peterson Hall 305

David Wicks

Professor of Curriculum & Instruction
EdD, Seattle Pacific University

Email: dwicks@zephyroilandgasproperties.com
Phone: 206-281-2367
Office: Peterson Hall 411

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Continuing Education

To meet the changing needs of adult learners, Seattle Pacific University offers a wide range of programs and courses to meet the needs of today's professionals. With competitive credit and program rates, these personal and professional development opportunities make lifelong learning very affordable. As the largest provider of continuing education credits for teachers in Washington State, SPU's Center for Professional Education is focused on the current needs of K-12 educators.

Courses taken for credit and numbered at the 5000 level are graduate-level courses and are designed primarily with the needs of teachers and other professionals in mind for the purpose of meeting certification, endorsement, district pay lane requirements and other professional needs. These Graduate-level courses may be considered to meet elective requirements in some cases.

Still have questions? Review FAQs.

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Costs

Tuition and fees for 2023–24

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$670/$735*

per credit

*$670 per credit for core certification coursework; $735 per credit for master’s component courses

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$50

application fee

See additional fee details.
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60

credits to complete

Financial Aid

Before applying for aid, you must first be admitted to a graduate program. Make sure you:

  • Enroll in at least 3 credits (or half-time) toward a degree or eligible certificate each quarter.
  • Complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.

You may take advantage of scholarships and loans. SPU does not have a deadline for graduate financial aid, though earlier is always better than later! 

Learn more about the FAFSA and applying for financial help.

Learn more about scholarships, assistantships, and loans available to graduate students.

Second Master’s Benefit

Students entering the Accelerated Master in Teaching Math and Science program with an advanced degree may take advantage of a second master's benefit at SPU. Through a petition process, students may receive a waiver for four of the five required "master's component" courses. Students who have earned an advanced degree need only complete EDU 6085 in addition to all certification courses to earn a second master's at SPU. In total, students may complete certification and a second master's for 48 credits.

Fees

Find out more about administrative and other School of Education program fees.

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Application

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. New cohorts are admitted each March and the program begins Summer Session.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must submit the following items to Graduate Admissions:

  • Application and $50 application processing fee.
  • Official transcript documenting bachelor's degree (including official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended).
    • Note: To be considered official, transcripts must be received in a sealed envelope from the college or university. Transcripts may be delivered to Graduate Admissions as long as they remain in their original, unopened university envelope. Electronic transcripts received via eSCRIP-SAFE or Parchment Exchange are also acceptable.
    • If your degree is not from a US college or university, please arrange for your transcript to be evaluated by an accredited transcript-evaluation company, such as FIS or WES. Have the report forwarded directly to Graduate Admissions.
  • Personal statement (1–2 pages).
  • Résumé.
  • Two to four letters of recommendation.
  • Passing WEST-B scores, including 240 on each subtest (reading, writing, and mathematics).
    • Applicants may use a combination of SAT, ACT, and WEST-B scores to meet the WEST-B requirement (reading writing, mathematics). Please contact Graduate Admissions if you have questions.
    • Preferred SAT scores required (for test date beginning 3/5/2016) — Math: 27.5, Reading: 27, Writing: 28.
    • Preferred SAT scores required (for test date up to 3/4/2016) — Math: 515, Reading: 500, Writing: 490.
    • Preferred ACT scores required — Math: 22, Reading: 22, Writing: 8 (for test date beginning 9/1/2016), or Writing: 23 (for test date 9/1/2015 through 8/31/16), or Writing: 8 (for test date up to 8/31/2015) 
  • Passing State Endorsement Test.
    • WEST-E or NES must be passed by May 1, prior to the program start date.
    • Several NES study guides are located on the main floor Reference section of the SPU Library.
  • Verify endorsement readiness.
    • Endorsements are the content and grade levels a teacher is prepared to teach. The Professional Education Standards Board (PESB) provides a comprehensive list of all endorsements offered at SPU.
    • If your college major matches your intended endorsement, complete the Endorsement Verification form in the application.
    • If your major does not match your intended endorsement, please contact The Certification Office. Complete the Endorsement Verification form only after contacting the Certification Office. On the form, indicate that you have been in contact with the Certification Office and list your "Approved Plan of Study" if one has been developed.
  • Moral and Professional Character Policy form (found in the online application). 

Applicants with complete files submitted by the deadline are screened for interviews held on the SPU campus in March. Invitations to interview are sent by email. Applicants are advised to add these email addresses as contacts to avoid inadvertent delivery of correspondence to spam or junk folders.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Early decision: November 15

Regular admission: February 1

APPLICATION AND ADMISSIONS QUESTIONS?

Contact Graduate Admissions at 800-601-0603 or gradadmissions@zephyroilandgasproperties.com.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How selective is admission to the SPU School of Education graduate degree programs?

This varies by program. Admission to some programs, such as the Accelerated Master in Teaching Mathematics and Science (AMTMS), Accerated Master of Arts in Teaching (AMAT), and MEd in School Counseling, is very competitive. Admission to each of SPU's graduate programs in education is standards-based, and all applicants must meet all standards for admission.

Can I continue to work while enrolled in a graduate degree program in the SPU School of Education?

Yes, in most cases. Most of the graduate degree programs offered by the School of Education are part-time programs, with classes offered in a variety of worker-friendly venues. Education graduate courses are scheduled at SPU or off campus, in the evenings, occasionally on Saturdays, and during the summer.

The Acclerated Master of Arts in Teaching (AMAT) and Accelerated Master in Teaching Mathematics and Science (AMTMS) programs are exceptions. They are one-year full-time programs due to their full-time internships.

Is it possible to complete a graduate degree from SPU's School of Education online?

The School of Education offers several fully online programs, including the AMAT-OnlineAMTMS-OnlineDigital Education Leadership, and Teacher Leadership programs. Please review the program pages for eligibility requirements.

Is a graduate program at SPU more expensive than comparable education programs at other universities?

SPU's graduate tuition rates are competitive with other accredited universities in Washington.

How does a graduate degree or graduate certificate from SPU compare with a similar degree or certificate from other universities?

SPU's School of Education has been offering a wide range of fully accredited master's and doctoral degrees in addition to graduate certificates for more than 20 years. SPU's reputation in P–12 education in Washington and around the country is strong, and students who complete our graduate degree and certificate programs enjoy a higher rate of employment than the state's average.

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